Seven Questions of Garuda, The

Description

Title: Seven Questions of Garuda, The
Author: Rambachan, Anantanand
Item Code: ISBN9780963416476
Publisher: Vijnana Publications, MN
Edition: 1st ed., Date: 1997, 32 pp., PB
Description: The discussion between Kakabhushundi in the Uttarakanda is a lenghty one. This booklet deals with seven brief (sapta prasna) questions asked by Garuda and the answers of Kakabhushundi. Many essential elements of Hindu ethics and religious belief are covered in these answers. Tulasidasa concludes the Ramanya with this conversation between Garuda, the king of birds, and Kakabhushundi, a crow. Garuda was once troubled by doubts about the nature of Rama (who was recognized as a god himself) and sought the help of sage Narada. Narada directed him to Brahma, but Brahma sent him to Shiva. Finally, Shiva sent him to the crow, Kakabhushundi. The fact that Garuda, the king of birds goes to Kakabhushundi, a lowly crow is symbolically significant. The sincere spiritual student must be prepared to learn from any one who is a qualified teacher. The teacher must not be judged on the basis of appearance or status in society but only by his or her wisdom and character and may be found where one least expects.